Wakayama Port, Japan – Comprehensive Anchorages Information
1. General Overview
– Port Authority: Wakayama Prefectural Government
– Port Classification: Major Port (Designated by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)
– Jurisdiction: Wakayama City, Japan
– Official Reference: Wakayama Port Regulations (2023 Edition)
– IMO Port Code: JPWKY
– UN/Locode: JPWAK
– Port Limits: Defined in Notice No. 412 of MLIT (2021)
2. Anchorage Details
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes | Radar Coverage | Emergency Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wakayama No.1 Anchorage | 34°13’30″N 135°09’15″E | 0.85 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand (70/30 ratio) | 50,000 | 3 vessels | General cargo/Container ships | Prohibited during typhoons (Class 1 warning) Minimum 500m clearance from LNG terminal |
24-hour operations permitted Fresh water available |
Full coverage | VHF Ch.16/12 |
| Wakayama No.2 Anchorage | 34°12’45″N 135°10’30″E | 1.2 | 20-25 | Clay/Sand (60/40 ratio) | 100,000 | 2 vessels | Bulk carriers/Tankers | Requires tugs for vessels >80,000 DWT No anchoring within 200m of submarine cable |
Bunkering available Limited provisions supply |
Full coverage | VHF Ch.16/12 |
| Kimiidera Anchorage | 34°11’00″N 135°11’45″E | 0.65 | 12-18 | Sandy (90% sand content) | 30,000 | 4 vessels | Coastal vessels/Fishing boats | Daylight use only Restricted during fishing seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) |
Limited services available No bunkering |
Partial coverage | VHF Ch.16 |
| Shimotsu Emergency Anchorage | 34°10’15″N 135°12’30″E | 0.5 | 10-15 | Rocky/Sand | 20,000 | 1 vessel | Emergency use only | Require port permission Maximum 24-hour stay |
No commercial services | No coverage | VHF Ch.16 |
3. Additional Anchorage Information
– Holding Ground: Good in all anchorages (Shimpo Test 2021)
– Current: Max 2.5 knots during spring tides (JMA data 2022)
– Shelter: Moderate protection from NW winds (Beaufort 6+ prohibited)
– Swing Circle: Minimum 3x LOA required (Port Rule Article 15)
– Anchorage Markings: Yellow buoys with radar reflectors
– Night Illumination: No.1 & No.2 anchorages have perimeter lights
4. Navigational Warnings
– Prohibited Area: 500m radius around LNG terminal (34°14’00″N 135°08’30″E)
– Underwater Cable: Crosses north of No.2 Anchorage (marked on charts)
– Fishing Zones: Active within 2nm of port entrance (Seasonal variations)
– Military Exercise Area: Occasional use 5nm SW of port (NOTAM issued)
– Dredging Operations: Scheduled quarterly near No.1 Anchorage
5. Port Services
– Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >500 GT (24 hours notice required)
– Tug Availability: 24/7 (minimum 2 hours notice)
Capacity: 3x 3200HP, 2x 5000HP
– Anchorage Charges: JPY 15,000/day for vessels >10,000 DWT (2024 tariff)
– Waste Disposal: Mandatory for international vessels (IMO compliance)
– Medical Facilities: Port clinic available (JIS Z 9107 certified)
6. Weather Considerations
– Typhoon Season: June-October (Average 2.3 typhoons/year)
– Wave Height: Exceeds 2m during winter monsoon (Nov-Feb)
– Visibility: <1km occurs 15 days/year (avg. 2018-2022 data) – Current Predictions: Available from JMA website (real-time updates) – Tsunami Warning: Immediate evacuation required for >1m alert
7. Safety Regulations
– Anchoring Time Limit: 72 hours without permission (Port Rule Article 8)
– Watchkeeping: Continuous radio watch on VHF Ch.16 required
– Pollution Control: Strict oil discharge prohibitions (Fine up to JPY 10M)
– Emergency Equipment: Mandatory standby anchor for vessels >20,000 DWT
– Reporting System: MUSTER for hazardous cargo (24/7 monitoring)
